There’s a lot to love on the central Oklahoma arts scene, and in 2024, some of the freshest and most fun musical and dramatic productions on stage are in Guthrie at The Pollard Theatre.
The theater, housed in one of the most historic buildings in downtown Guthrie, was built in 1901 and was originally a furniture store. In 1919, George Pollard renovated the space to create The Pollard Theatre, which featured vaudeville acts and silent movies. It was re-vamped again in 1919 to accommodate movies and was renamed The Melba, which was in operation until 1984. At that time, the Guthrie Arts & Humanities Council restored the original stage and updated the facility, returning to the name The Pollard Theatre.
The Pollard Theatre Company was founded in 1987, and has been providing audiences with Broadway quality productions ever since. Its mission is to “produce meaningful, entertaining and diverse theatre within the City of Guthrie and the greater state of Oklahoma” — and this season definitely delivers. Artistic Director Jared Blount had this to say about the 36th season: “This season deals with change; whether it is a changing environment, a shift in priorities or advancing an artistic landscape. With a hybrid of stage plays and exclusive performance pieces, such as concerts, comedy acts and musical revues, we hope to provide variety for our patrons. We want there to be something for everyone! And at the end of the day, if we’re drawing an audience to share a laugh, a song or a tear — we’ve done our job.”
Returning Feb. 14-18 is An Evening with Patsy Cline, following a sold-out run last year. Created by Shelly Phelps and Jason Hunt, this jukebox musical features Phelps singing Cline’s famous songs from her iconic career, accompanied by the Moonlit Pass Band. Performed as a 90-minute concert, just as Cline was known to do in the final months of her short life, this production is appropriate for ages 13 and up.
The hysterical Monty Python’s Spamalot takes the stage April 5-27. Based on the cult classic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this musical rendition tells the story of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table as they search for the sacred chalice. With catchy tunes and huge dance numbers, this spectacle of a show is sure to delight audiences. Spamalot is appropriate for ages 12 and up.
Rounding out the season is the Tony-winning play by Edward Albee, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, coming June 7-29. This thought-provoking play is about middle-aged couple George and Martha, who are returning from a party when Martha admits she has invited a younger couple, Nick and Honey, over for a drink. Over the course of the three acts, Nick and Honey are submerged into the chaos that is the older couple’s relationship, as themes of reality and illusion are revealed. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is also appropriate for audiences 13 and up, but please note that there are adult situations throughout the production.
The Pollard Theatre is proud to offer affordable ticket prices, with discounts for seniors, military personnel and teachers. It also offers $15 Student Rush tickets 30 minutes before the show with a valid student ID.
Visit thepollard.org for more details or to purchase tickets.
